Maloney honoured to be named Stags’ first captain

Andrew Hunt

Newly formed Mirfield Stags have appointed former Dewsbury and Batley half-back Francis Maloney as the club’s first captain.

The Dewsbury-born stand-off said: “I feel absolutely honoured to have been named the first Mirfield Stags captain.

“The club is being operated in a very professional manner and the buy-in has been fantastic from everyone concerned.

“I think this is going to be a huge success. I am lucky enough to see what goes on behind the scenes here and I think it is fantastic.

“I wanted to start playing again and loved the sound of what is happening here.

“I am fitter now than I was when I retired from playing professionally and that made me think, why not give it another go?

“I want to lead this team from the front and I am really enjoying playing under Richard Silverwood, he’s a very talented coach.

“I want to give something back to the game and pass on as much experience as possible to my new team-mates.”

Silverwood, who took over the Stags’ coaching reins last November, added: “Francis is a great addition for us and he will make an awesome captain.

“He is an asset and him playing for us represents a major coup for the club. He has played at the highest level and is exactly the sort of player we were looking for.”

Mirfield will make their playing debut this Sunday (February 21), in a pre-season friendly against Shaw Cross Sharks A, while the Forty-20 Cup and Yorkshire Men’s League Division One fixtures are due out this week.